Tonight’s predicted near-record low temperatures have prompted Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties to open cold-weather shelters.
Staff at Rabbits, Inc. set rope around columns of strawberry crops to cover them with plastic tarps, and protect the plants from frost and freeze. FILE

The shelters in each county will open at 6 p.m.

Pasco County Transportation provides free service to the shelters during normal operating hours. Riders should tell the driver when boarding that they are en route to a cold-weather shelter.

Pinellas County shelter guests will be provided a hot meal tonight and breakfast on Wednesday morning. Families will be placed motels or family shelters. For questions, contact Cliff Smith at (727) 698-1809 or (727) 893-7627 or Rhonda Abbott at (727) 424-1355 or (727) 528-5762.

A cold front that moved through the region Monday is bringing arctic air with the possibility of a freeze and hazardous wind-chill conditions. The conditions can be dangerous, especially to children, the elderly and pets.

A freeze warning is in effect for Hernando County tonight into Wednesday morning. The forecast low is expected to fall to 29, with a wind chill in the high teens and 20s. A small craft advisory in effect through Wednesday afternoon.